Hello! My name is Clémence, I’m 24 years old, and I come from a small town in the south of France. I volunteered at Anjali House from October 2023 to September 2024 as a Communication & Fundraising Support.
A New Adventure
After finishing my studies, I wanted to discover more about the world and contribute to a meaningful cause. Coming to Cambodia was an intimidating experience. Although I had traveled before, I had never been this far from home or stayed away for such a long time. It was also my first time in Asia and outside of Europe. I didn’t know much about what I was getting myself into.
Thankfully, Sephora, a previous volunteer at Anjali House, welcomed me with open arms and helped me settle in. She even taught me my first words in Khmer: “Mien moto, bong,” meaning “I have a moto, brother.”
My Experience at Anjali House
As a Communication & Fundraising Support, I managed Anjali House’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok), website, and newsletter, and created various communication materials. In December, we held our annual fundraising campaign and successfully raised over $10,000 to sustain and enhance our programs for the upcoming year.
Eager to contribute in various ways, I began conducting science workshops in English with our K1 students every Friday from March until September. It was incredibly stimulating to diversify the projects I worked on and truly rewarding to see the students’ excitement as we “made magic” with our science experiments.
Working alongside Nadi, our American Director, the Khmer team, and volunteers from around the world was also a very enriching experience. Although it was sometimes challenging due to our different languages and cultural backgrounds, we always managed to make it work, and our exchanges were always friendly! This experience taught me new ways of thinking and collaborating with others, and I am very grateful for that.
Discovering Cambodia
Cambodia is such a magical place. Living here allowed me to truly discover the rich culture, history, and warmth of its people. I am always impressed by the hospitality and warm welcome we receive as foreigners. During my time volunteering, I had the opportunity to travel across Cambodia—from the magnificent temples of Angkor to the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, the peaceful southern coast with Kampot and Kep, and the beautiful islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem.
Volunteering in Cambodia also connected me with a diverse group of volunteers from different NGOs. Sharing experiences and working together towards common goals not only broadened my perspective but also gave me a deep sense of belonging.
A Chapter Ends
This experience has been enriching both personally and professionally, and I know I will carry the memories with me forever. As I prepare to return to France, my heart is full of gratitude, and my mind is filled with unforgettable moments and lessons learned. I am thankful for every challenge, every success, and every connection made along the way. Thank you, Anjali House, for allowing me to grow, learn, and contribute to such a meaningful cause!
Read more volunteering testimonials: